BY TONY OKAFOR
The recent controversy between Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlights a deeper issue that threatens the very foundations of our democracy.
When lawmakers are granted the authority to hire and fire their colleagues, it undermines the democratic principles of representation, accountability, and the separation of powers.
This power dynamic can stifle the progress of the people they represent, as legislators become more loyal to their colleagues than to their constituents.
At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental question of who employs legislators? The answer is clear: it is the people, through the electoral process, who elect their representatives to serve their interests.
This relationship is rooted in the concept of representation, where legislators are entrusted to act on behalf of their constituents in a social contract.
However, when legislators assume the power to hire and fire their peers, they disrupt this delicate balance of power and undermine the democratic principles that underpin our system of government.
The dangers of unchecked legislative power are evident in the potential for abuses of authority, favoritism, and corruption.
This undermines democratic ideals, including free speech, open debate, and the protection of minority rights.
When legislators have the power to hire and fire their peers, they can silence dissenting voices, stifle debate, and create a culture of fear and obedience.
In a diverse society like ours, where different groups and interests coexist, the mistreatment or marginalization of elected representatives by their colleagues can have a profound impact on the communities they serve.
When representatives are unfairly targeted or sidelined, their constituents may feel disenfranchised, ignored, and vulnerable, leading to a sense of exclusion and disillusionment with the democratic process.
Granting legislators the power to hire and fire their colleagues is a recipe for disaster.
It undermines democratic principles, stifles the progress of the people, and creates an environment conducive to abuses of authority and corruption.
Instead, power should be distributed evenly, ensuring legislators are accountable to the people they serve.
The people must remain the ultimate authority in determining who represents them.
Legislators cannot assume the power to hire and fire their peers elected by other constituents or unilaterally shorten or extend their colleagues’ tenure.
Only the people have the constitutional right to make such decisions, and any internal rules or orders do not supersede the people’s mandates or constitution.
The democratic principles of representation, accountability, and the separation of powers must be upheld.
The people must remain vigilant and ensure that their elected representatives are accountable to them, and not to their
legislative peers.
